News

13 July 2011 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

DOD News Briefing with Maj. Gen. Rossmanith via Teleconference from Afghanistan DoD 13 Jul 2011
Afghan President Leads Mourners at Wali Karzai's Funeral VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Grief-stricken Afghan President Hamid Karzai led thousands of mourners at the funeral of his half-brother.
Helmand Governor Escapes Bomb Attack En Route To Karzai Funeral RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- A bomb attack in southern Afghanistan has targeted the motorcade of a key Afghan governor who was traveling to the funeral of President Hamid Karzai's brother.
Afghan-led Security Force Detains Insurgents AFPS 13 Jul 2011 -- An Afghan-led combined security force detained a Haqqani network leader and one suspected insurgent in Khost province.
Suicide Attack Kills 5 French Troops in Afghanistan VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Officials say a suicide bomber has killed five French soldiers in eastern Afghanistan.
Five French NATO Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan After Sarkozy Visit RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- France has confirmed that five of its soldiers in Afghanistan have been killed by a suicide bombing in the northeastern Kapisa Province.
ISAF Needs to Maintain Momentum in Afghanistan AFPS 13 Jul 2011 -- NATO’s International Security Assistance Force has a “realistic chance” to meet its goals in Afghanistan if member nations maintain current efforts there.
In Brief: Afghan Interior Ministry condemns killing of deminers IRIN 13 Jul 2011 -- The brutal killing of four deminers in Afghanistan's western province of Farah should not deter Afghans from supporting efforts to rid the country of landmines and other explosive remnants of war.
Groundbreaking ceremony marks milestone at Weesh-Chaman Crossing Army News 13 Jul 2011 -- The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and its partners celebrated the start of construction for a new project that will improve border control in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province.
I Corps begins mission, uncases colors in Afghanistan Army News 13 Jul 2011 -- I Corps soldiers gathered in a dimly-lit hanger at North Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, to watch as the I Corps colors were uncased during a ceremony July 7.
Marine Corps UAVs get new home in Afghanistan USMC News 13 Jul 2011 -- Marine Corps unmanned aerial vehicles have a new home at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.
Logistics squadron keeps Marine aircraft flying in Afghanistan USMC News 13 Jul 2011 -- Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 40 has one mission, to guarantee 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) squadrons are never left without ordnance, working equipment or the parts they need to keep aircraft in the fight in Afghanistan.
Schweinfurt battalions depart for Afghanistan Army News 13 Jul 2011 -- The 9th Engineer Battalion, 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment and 172nd Support Battalion are all deploying to Afghanistan as part of the 172nd Infantry Brigade’s mid-summer replacement of troops in ISAF’s Regional Command East.
Reservists Deploy to Help Build Afghanistan AFPS 13 Jul 2011 -- Army reservists from the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion are preparing to deploy there this week to ensure security progress made has the opportunity to stick.
Civil Affairs Troops Train for Afghanistan Duty AFPS 13 Jul 2011 -- Army Reservists with the Encino, Calif.-based 425th Civil Affairs Battalion were midway through a three-day mission rehearsal exercise last week at this joint base deep in the heart of New Jersey’s “Pine Barrens” forest.
AAF Airmen graduate first rotary-wing 'train the trainer' maintenance program AFNS 13 Jul 2011 -- Six Afghan air force maintainers are now qualified to provide on-the-job training after graduating from a course July 11.
WFP: Three Million in Afghanistan Will Need Food Aid VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- The World Food Program estimates 2-3 million drought victims in Afghanistan will need food assistance this year.

Pakistan's PM Voices Concern Over Suspended US Military Aid VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani says he is concerned about the U.S. decision to suspend $800 million in military aid to his country.
U.S., Pakistan Meet Amid Military Aid Cut RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- High-level U.S.-Pakistani contacts have taking place, after the United States suspended a third of the $2 billion in military aid it sends to Islamabad.
US top commander in Pakistan’s tension defuse mission IRNA 13 Jul 2011 -- Commander of CENTCOM, General James N. Mattis, has arrived in Pakistan in an apparent move to defuse tension with Pakistan.
Pakistan army commanders vow to continue anti-terror war IRNA 13 Jul 2011 -- Pakistan’s top army commanders played down US decision to suspend military aid.
US drones kill 31 in Pakistan tribal areas IRNA 13 Jul 2011 -- US spy planes rained missiles into Pakistan’s Waziristan tribal regions and killed at least 31 people.
No need to call army for peace restoration: President Zardari IRNA 13 Jul 2011 -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed hope that the army would not need to be called in to restore peace in the port city of Karachi.
Pakistani spy chief leaves for US IRNA 13 Jul 2011 -- Head of Pakistan’s top intelligence agency has left for United States for talks with the US intelligence officials.

Soldiers keep Iraq’s highways, byways safe Army News 13 Jul 2011 -- The combat engineers of Company C, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, are out in full force to provide critical assured mobility.
Iran Rejects US Claims of Role in Iraq Attacks VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Iran has dismissed U.S. claims that Tehran is arming insurgents who have played a role in attacks on American soldiers in Iraq.
No Iranian injured in Karbala bombings ISNA 13 Jul 2011 -- No Iranian pilgrim was injured in bombings in Karbala, said representative of Iranian Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization to Iraq.
Iraqi ambassador: Iraq to expel terrorist MKO refugees soon IRNA 13 Jul 2011 -- Iraqi Ambassador to Tehran Mohammad Majid al-Sheikh: Mujahedeen Khalq Organization refugees in Iraq will be expelled by the end of year.
233rd Transportation Company cases colors Army News 13 Jul 2011 -- Fort Knox’s 233rd Transportation Company cased its colors during a ceremony on July 13 in preparation for deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation New Dawn.

NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 12 Jul 2011
NATO to Keep Bombing Gadhafi Forces to Protect Civilians VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told Libyan rebels that the alliance will continue bombing forces of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

Defense Policy / Programs

Secretary Clinton Remarks With Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov After their Meeting US Dept. of State 13 Jul 2011

Medal of Honor Ceremony for Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry DoD 13 Jul 2011
Press Conference with Medal of Honor Recipient Sgt. 1st Class Petry at the Pentagon DoD 13 Jul 2011
Services Deliver ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Repeal Input AFPS 13 Jul 2011 -- All of the services and combatant commands have provided their input to the Defense Department in advance of the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.
Study Explores Aircraft Operations Aboard Carriers NNS 13 Jul 2011 -- ONR announced July 13 that a recent self-sponsored effort to examine how aircraft carrier flight deck crews will manage manned and unmanned air vehicles has ended in a successful live demonstration.
C-130 heats up for new decon test, evaluation at Little Rock AFNS 13 Jul 2011 -- A retired, ground-instructional C-130 Hercules is undergoing tests to determine how heat and humidity affect the decontamination process.
Contingency response team stands down after last shuttle support alert AFNS 13 Jul 2011 -- An audience of millions watched the last launch of the space shuttle Atlantis from Kennedy Space Center.
Nevada Blue Crew Completes First Post-Overhaul Patrol NNS 13 Jul 2011 -- USS Nevada and its Blue Crew returned to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor July 3, capping first strategic deterrent patrol following refueling overhaul.
Fond farewell: 157th cases colors, leaving Fort Jackson Army News 13 Jul 2011 -- 157th Infantry Brigade bade farewell to Fort Jackson during a casing ceremony June 23 at the Joe E. Mann Center.
Joint exercise hones capabilities for real-world missions AFNS 13 Jul 2011 -- Soldiers and Airmen teamed up in a simulated deployed environment at Mackall Army Airfield approximately ten miles south of Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Air-Refueling Drills to Be Staged in S. Korea KCNA 13 Jul 2011 -- The U.S. and the south Korean air force plan to stage two air-refueling drills in the sky above south Korea every year.
Ghanaian, U.S. Soldiers join forces for MEDFLAG 11 Army News 13 Jul 2011 -- MEDFLAG 11, a joint humanitarian assistance exercise between U.S. and Ghana Armed Forces, kicked off today with an opening ceremony at the nearby Ghanaian army base, Burma Camp.
Marines provide guidance and mentorship to Republic of Honduras Marines USMC News 13 Jul 2011 -- Marines from Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group supported Marine Corps Forces, South by conducting a tactical assessment of the Republic of Honduras’ First Marine Infantry Battalion.
Navy Completes UNITAS 52 Pacific Phase, Ships Depart Chile NNS 13 Jul 2011 -- USS Boone and USS Thach departed Valparaiso, Chile, July 8, after completing the Pacific phase of UNITAS 52.
USNS Comfort, Continuing Promise 2011 Depart Guatemala NNS 13 Jul 2011 -- USNS Comfort and Continuing Promise 2011 departed Guatemala, July 11, after 10 days of medical, dental and veterinary care, engineering support and subject matter expert exchanges.

Anger Grows in Cyprus Over Munitions Blast VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Thousands of demonstrators continued their march through the country's capital as anger spreads over the government’s apparent involvement in an explosion at a naval base on Monday that left 12 people dead.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 7/13/2011 The White House 13 Jul 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, July 13, 2011 US Dept. of State 13 Jul 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for July 13, 2011
BPC Dixmude in Toulon for combat system integration and testing DCNS 13 Jul 2011 -- Today, 13 July, BPC Dixmude – the third Mistral/BPC-type force projection & command vessel for the French Navy – arrived in Toulon after sailing from Saint-Nazaire on 6 July.
Sensors from CASSIDIAN to protect Korean Utility Helicopters EADS 13 Jul 2011 -- Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, will protect the 'Surion' utility helicopter of the Korean Army against missile attacks.
Raytheon BBN Technologies Awarded $16 Million in DoD Funding to Develop a Secure, Attributed Military Network System Raytheon 13 Jul 2011 -- Raytheon BBN Technologies has been awarded $16 million in additional funding by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under phase two of the Military Networking Protocol (MNP) program to create architectures, protocols, and network devices that will improve network capabilities and integrity for tactical military units. BBN is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN).
Northrop Grumman's On-Demand Intelligence System Used for the First Time in a Live-Fire Demonstration Northrop Grumman 13 Jul 2011 -- Using real-time video imagery distributed from Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) on-demand intelligence system, Marines successfully completed live-fire targeting exercises on the Marine Corps' extensive ranges here.
Lockheed Martin Delivers Nuclear Materials Tracking System to Nuclear Regulatory Commission Lockheed Martin 13 Jul 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has completed delivery of the National Source Tracking System (NSTS) to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The system is an Information Technology tool that assists in the accounting and tracking of radioactive source material typically used in medical, academic and industrial applications.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 13 July 2011 United Nations 13 Jul 2011

Statement by NATO Secretary General after meeting with delegation of the Libyan Transitional National Council NATO 13 Jul 2011
Clinton: US, Russia, Agree Gadhafi’s 'Days Are Numbered' VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Secretary of State Clinton said the two powers agree that Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s days in power are numbered.
Italy Says No Stalemate in Libya VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Italy’s foreign ministry spokesman, Maurizio Massari, insists the international community is on the right track in Libya and that the next step is for political negotiations to kick off.
Russia not to attend Libya contact group meeting in Istanbul RIA Novosti 13 Jul 2011 -- Russia will not attend the fourth meeting of the Libya Contact Group scheduled for July 15 in Istanbul, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Libyan Rebels In Brussels For Talks With NATO, European Officials RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- Libyan rebel leaders were in Brussels for talks with NATO and European officials.

YEMEN: TV appearance sparks fresh wave of violence IRIN 13 Jul 2011 -- A surprise 7 July appearance on Yemeni state TV by President Ali Abdullah Saleh is behind a recent country-wide spike in violence, say observers.

Philippines Chides China for Rejecting Tribunal in Sea Dispute VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- The Philippines says China's refusal to submit its claims to disputed areas of the South China Sea to an international tribunal demonstrates the weakness of its case.
Taiwan-China talks on South China Sea not in the cards CNA 13 Jul 2011 -- Taiwan has no plans to hold political negotiations with China at the moment, nor will it negotiate South China Sea issues with Beijing.

MYANMAR: Military porters "worked to death" IRIN 13 Jul 2011 -- Convicts forced to serve as porters for the military are subject to torture, execution, and warfare, says new report.
Rights Groups Say Burma Army Using Prison Labor on Front Lines VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Rights groups say they have new details about how Burma’s military forces prisoners to work as laborers and human shields on the front lines of its battles against ethnic militias.

Security Council Recommends UN Membership for South Sudan VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- The United Nations Security Council has recommended U.N. membership for South Sudan, which became independent this past Saturday.
Security Council Recommends South Sudan UN Membership VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- The United Nations Security Council has recommended newly-independent South Sudan for U.N. membership.
Sudan frees one of two UN staff members arrested in Darfur UN News Centre 13 Jul 2011 -- Sudanese authorities have released a United Nations staff member arrested in May in the conflict-affected western region of Darfur.

UNICEF Resumes Airlifts into South-Central Somalia VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- For the first time in two years, the United Nations has airlifted aid to a part of Somalia controlled by the militant group al-Shabab.

Amnesty condemns Israel's anti-boycott law IRNA 13 Jul 2011 -- Amnesty International has condemned Israel for passing a sweeping law to punish anyone for even calling for a boycott for political reasons as an attack on basic rights.

Unresolved Turkey-Cyprus issue could harm relations with EU RIA Novosti 13 Jul 2011 -- Turkey will freeze relations with the European Union if the Cyprus issue is not settled by July 2012.

Tight Security in Kashmir on 'Martyr's Day' VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Indian security forces have imposed tight security restrictions in Srinagar ahead of 80th anniversary of a violent crackdown on Kashmiri Muslims in the city.
Indian Govt welcomes ULFA ceasefire, to suspend operations IRNA 13 Jul 2011 -- The Centre and the Assam government welcomed the unilateral ceasefire announced by ULFA's pro-talk faction.

Dutch Court Decision On Peacekeepers Shakes Up Humanitarian Law RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- In 1995, at the height of the war in Bosnia, the UN entrusted a lightly armed Dutch peacekeeping battalion with the task of protecting Srebrenica from a Bosnian Serb offensive.
Top Croatian War Crimes Suspect Dies From Heart Problems RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- A former top regional official of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union has died as a result of heart problems just three weeks after being detained.

News Reports

Analysts: No Quick Solution Seen for Conflict in Syria VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Analysts say it will likely be difficult for either talks or international pressure to end the Syrian crisis anytime soon.
Arab League Chief Slams 'Foreign Interference' Following Talks in Syria VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby slammed what he called "foreign interference" in Arab affairs.
Syrian Leader Meets Arab League Chief After US Criticism VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby amid mounting criticism.
Obama Says Assad Has 'Lost Legitimacy' RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had "lost legitimacy" for failing to lead a democratic transition.

Egypt Dismisses Police Officers, Announces Election Delay VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Egypt announced the dismissals of about 600 police officers on Wednesday in an apparent bid to meet the demands of protesters who regrouped last week.
Egyptians Want End Of Military Rule RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- Thousands of Egyptians have marched on government offices in the capital, Cairo, demanding the removal of the ruling military council.

In Iran, Segregation Divide Pits President Against Religious Conservatives RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- A simply drawn map making the rounds on social media depicts Iran divided into two provinces.

Statement by the President on Attacks in Mumbai The White House 13 Jul 2011
Secretary Clinton Statement on Attacks in Mumbai, India US Dept. of State 13 Jul 2011
India presidenrt, vice president, PM condemn serial blasts in Mumbai IRNA 13 Jul 2011 -- India’s President Patil, VP Ansari and PM Singh strongly condemned the three terrorist attacks over night in Mumbai.
Security Council strongly condemns terrorist bomb attacks in India UN News Centre 13 Jul 2011 -- The Security Council condemned in the strongest terms terrorist attacks in various parts of the city of Mumbai.
Indian Officials Blame 'Terrorists' for Deadly Mumbai Blasts VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Senior Indian national security officials are turning their full attention to the country's financial capital, Mumbai.
Indian Officials: 'Terrorists' Coordinated Deadly Mumbai Blasts VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- India's home minister says authorities believe the back-to-back blasts that killed at least 13 people in Mumbai were a "coordinated attack."
Triple 'Terror' Blasts Shake India's Financial Hub RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- Authorities say three almost-simultaneous blasts in 3 different locations in India's financial capital of Mumbai have killed at least 21 people.
20 killed, 81 injured in India’s Mumbai city serial blasts IRNA 13 Jul 2011 -- At least 20 people were killed and another 100 injured as India’s business capital, Mumbai rocked by three serial blasts on Wednesday evening.
Four killed and over 100 injured in Mumbai explosions RIA Novosti 13 Jul 2011 -- At least four people were killed and over one hundred people were injured in India's commercial capital Mumbai on Thursday by three explosions in the city's markets.
50 injured as serial blasts rocked India’s Mumbai city IRNA 13 Jul 2011 -- Three blasts rocked India’s Mumbai city Wednesday evening injuring at least 50 people.

Burmese Diplomat Defects, Cites Fears for Safety VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- For the second time in less than two weeks, a senior Burmese diplomat has defected. He says he feared for his safety after being recalled to Burma.

Thai Election Commission Postpones Certifying New Prime Minister VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Thailand's Election Commission has delayed certifying the election victory of both Prime Minister-elect Yingluck Shinawatra and the former leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Malaysian Electoral Reformers Plan Next Steps After Protest Crackdown VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- The organizers of Saturday’s massive demonstration in Malaysia are demanding authorities release six people still in detention and respond to their list of grievances.

Exiled Turkmen Opposition To Return Home For Elections RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- Leaders of Turkmenistan's exiled opposition say they plan to accept President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov's invitation to return home and participate in elections next year.

High-Profile Prison Escapees Caught In Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- The Tajik Interior Ministry says two escapees from a high-profile jailbreak last year have been detained in east-central Tajikistan and in Kyrgyzstan.

'Dialogue' In Armenia: Politics Or Theater? RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- The ruling coalition finally made public on July 9 the composition of a working group to embark on talks with the HAK.

Some Diaspora Voters Cleared to Cast Ballots in Cameroon Election VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Lawmakers in Cameroon have agreed to changes in the electoral law that would allow some people living outside the country to take part in October's presidential vote.
Presidential Candidate Promises a New Cameroon if Elected VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- One of the candidates in this year’s Cameroon presidential election says if elected, he would push to decentralize government.

Two-day Seminar discusses nuclear preparedness in India IRNA 13 Jul 2011 -- Posting of National Disaster Force at all nuclear stations in India was part of plans to strengthen nuclear disaster preparedness.

Second Night of Riots Rock Belfast VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- A second night of riots erupted in Northern Ireland's capital, Belfast, after police blocked Irish nationalists from confronting Protestant loyalists after an annual march Tuesday.

European Parliament Mulls How To Ramp Up Pressure On Belarus RFE/RL 13 Jul 2011 -- EU measures against the Belarusian regime are paying dividends.

Venezuelan President Expects Chemotherapy or Radiation VOA 13 Jul 2011 -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he may have chemotherapy or radiation treatment following his recent surgery for cancer.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list